free topological protection – Physics World
Researchers in China have developed a 'photonic multi-lane highway' using a photonic valley half-semimetal to carry optical signals. This innovation allows for topologically-protected signals without the need for bulky insulators, potentially advancing on-chip photonic circuits.
Why it matters
This breakthrough addresses a fundamental trade-off in photonics, paving the way for more efficient and robust optical communication technologies.
A new type of “photonic multi-lane highway” that can carry multiple topologically-protected optical signals at once – without the need for a bulky insulator – has been demonstrated by researchers in China. The technology, which relies on a new type of material called a photonic valley half-semimetal to achieve topological protection, is currently at the prototype stage. However, the researchers believe that, if fabrication challenges can be addressed, the combination of spatial efficiency and topological robustness could be promising for future photonic technologies.
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